University of Houston Athletics
Second Week Commences With Start of Two-a-Days
8/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2004
HOUSTON, Texas - With less than three weeks before the season opener versus Rice on Sunday, September 5, the University of Houston football team turned it up a notch today, participating in two-a-days for the first time since camp started early last week. For a little over an hour this morning the Cougars took part in a light workout indoors in the Yeoman Fieldhouse before returning to the UH practice fields this afternoon. Houston practiced for over two hours in helmets and shoulder pads. Even with the extra practice this morning, UH head football coach Art Briles feels the Cougars are on track for the Administaff Bayou Bucket showdown with the Owls in 20 days. "We really had a good morning," said the second-year Cougar mentor. "The thing that we want to do in the morning is look for mental preparation, mental awareness and personnel placement. We got all of that done. We were out there for over an hour. "We came out the afternoon and had a really bouncy workout. We had to realize that we have three full weeks before we play. I looked around today, (and) I didn't see any stands, I didn't a guy in a black shirt blowing a whistle, so we realize it is practice. "We're working on trying to stay healthy, stay fresh and stay focused." The Cougars have 105 players currently in fall camp, and the veteran lettermen are taking the majority of the snaps on both offense and defense. Still, Briles likes the nucleus of young talent that comprises the Class of 2004. "We're really pleased with our recruits and our walk-ons," added Briles. "This is by far the best group we've ever had. We're tickled to death because they're good people, they're good players and they're helping us get better on the level of the guys who are going to play. So, they're doing a great job and we're really proud of them." Houston will continue with two-a-days through the rest of the week before switching back to its normal schedule of one afternoon practice later this weekend. The first day of classes for the UH student-athletes is Monday, August 23. --- www.UHcougars.com ---
